The man admitted two counts of causing racially aggravated distress and two of assaulting an emergency worker
A man has been jailed after he racially abused staff and attacked two police officers during Manchester United’s FA Cup third round tie against Aston Villa.
Aaron Saunders, 29 and of Higher Furlong Road in Cranbrook, Devon, was arrested during United’s 1-0 victory over Villa at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Saunders admitted two counts of causing racially aggravated distress and two of assaulting an emergency worker at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.
As well as being sentenced to 22 weeks in prison, the 29-year-old was also given a six-year football banning order.
#JUSTICE | A man who racially abused two members of staff and physically attacked two of our officers at the Manchester United game at Old Trafford on Monday night has been jailed for 22 weeks and banned from attending matches for six years. pic.twitter.com/Gr2HO5Sykx
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) January 13, 2022
Speaking after sentencing, PC Matt Ford said going to a football match “should be an enjoyable experience and people who behave like Saunders did on Monday night take away from that”.
“I hope this swift action reassures football fans and those who work in the industry that Greater Manchester Police and the justice system take this issue seriously and take steps to prevent it,” he said.
Earlier this week, it was reported that police were investigating racist abuse that was directed at former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole during Swindon’s FA Cup third round match with Manchester City.
Swindon apologised to Cole – who is currently a coach with the England U21s and the Chelsea academy – for the incident which occurred while the 41-year-old was part of ITV’s presentation team at the County Ground.Â
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